“The 2025 NFL season could deliver one of the most competitive playoff chases in years. “
The new NFL season brings high hopes, bold predictions, and plenty of futures betting opportunities. Playoff races in both conferences look wide open, and the awards markets are loaded with potential value. This breakdown covers every projected playoff team and the best picks for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and top rookies. With odds ranging from heavy favorites to intriguing long shots, there’s something here for every fantasy football player and bettor to consider in this NFL playoff and awards betting guide.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Podcast transcript.)
AFC Playoff Predictions
In the AFC North, I’m taking the Ravens to win the division. They’ve been a regular season machine with Lamar Jackson leading the way. The Steelers are also strong playoff contenders, boasting a reinforced defense and an offense ready to take a step forward.
The AFC East is the Bills’ to lose. They return as the most complete roster in the division and have a quarterback capable of MVP-level play.
The AFC South comes down to the Jaguars and Texans. I’m siding with Jacksonville thanks to better offensive line play, explosive receivers, and a loaded front seven.
The AFC West sees a shake-up. Denver dethrones Kansas City behind a top-tier defense and one of the league’s best offensive lines. The Chiefs still make the playoffs as a wild card, joined by the Steelers and Jets.
NFC Playoff Predictions
In the NFC North, Chicago is my pick for a surprise division win. The Bears invested heavily in the trenches and surrounded Caleb Williams with weapons. The Lions also reach the postseason as a wild card team.
The NFC East remains in Philadelphia’s hands. Even with injury questions, the Eagles are the most complete team in the division.
The NFC South belongs to the Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield leads an offense loaded with elite weapons, and the defense added impact players.
In the NFC West, I’m backing the Rams. They were close to a deep run last year, and their young defense has improved. The Falcons and Giants round out the wild card spots in this years NFL playoff and awards betting preview.
Conference Championship and Super Bowl Picks
In the AFC, I see Kansas City returning to the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes has new weapons, and a strong left tackle should stabilize the offense. They’ll edge Denver in a close conference championship.
The NFC comes down to the Rams and Buccaneers. Both teams feature dangerous passing attacks, but the Rams’ defense gets the nod. Los Angeles moves on to face the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
For the Lombardi Trophy, I’m taking the Rams at 22 to 1. Matthew Stafford delivers one more elite playoff run, backed by a balanced roster and versatile offense.
NFL Awards Betting Picks
The MVP race is always quarterback-heavy. Baker Mayfield offers great value at 25 to 1 if the Buccaneers dominate the NFC South. He has the weapons and production to build a strong case.
For Offensive Player of the Year, I’m targeting receivers with huge upside. Puka Nacua at 16 to 1 could explode in a featured role alongside Davante Adams. Malik Nabers at 30 to 1 will be the focal point of the Giants’ offense from day one.
Defensive Player of the Year leans toward high-profile pass rushers. Maxx Crosby at 13 to 1 fits perfectly. If the Raiders’ secondary improves, his sack totals could climb even higher.
In the rookie market, Trevon Henderson at 20 to 1 is electric and may carry the Patriots’ offense. RJ Harvey at 25 to 1 could thrive as Denver’s lead back if the Broncos play with frequent leads. Both offer excellent upside in the NFL Playoff and awards betting landscape.
Betting Favorites or Getting Value
The 2025 NFL season could deliver one of the most competitive playoff chases in years. Division races are tight, and the awards markets have viable options across the board. Whether chasing a heavy favorite like Buffalo or swinging for a long shot like the Rams, there’s value for bettors who anticipate the right narratives. In NFL Playoff and awards betting, timing, health, and key performances will decide which of these futures cash.
Host Bets Recap
Degen Doc’s Picks
- Division Winners: Ravens, Jaguars, Bills, Broncos, Bears, Eagles, Buccaneers, Rams
- Wild Cards: Chiefs, Steelers, Jets, Lions, Falcons, Giants
- AFC Champion: Chiefs (+425)
- NFC Champion: Rams (+1100)
- Super Bowl Winner: Rams (+2200)
- MVP: Baker Mayfield (+2500)
- OPOY: Puka Nacua (+1600), Malik Nabers (+3000)
- DPOY: Maxx Crosby (+1300)
Professor Locks’ Picks
- Division Winners: Steelers, Texans, Bills, Broncos, Lions, Eagles, Buccaneers, Cardinals
- Wild Cards: Ravens, Chiefs, Bengals, Bears, Packers, Falcons
- AFC Champion: Bills (+340)
- NFC Champion: Buccaneers (+1500)
- Super Bowl Winner: Bills (+600)
- MVP: Joe Burrow (+600)
- OPOY: Jamar Chase (+950)
- OROY: Trevon Henderson (+2000), RJ Harvey (+2500)
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by Derek Bennett (you can list this as IDP+ staff member if you wish). Be sure to check out the video above by The Degen Doc and Professor Locks, which this video is based on, talking about the NFC North. Follow @TheDegenDoc and @Prof_Lock2 on X!
